The detention unit at GMYSC is designed to provide services to youth being detained while awaiting court and/or youth that are serving short court sentences. Detention youth participate in cognitive behavioral programming designed to teach positive thinking skills, anger management, improved decision making, empathy and other social related skills. Through a collaborative effort with Ariel Clinical Services, youth in detention receive as needed brief mental health assessments and crisis management counseling. In addition, youth participate in psycho educational groups designed to promote victim empathy, independent living, goal-setting and anger management. Educational services for detained youth are provided through the Mesa County District 51 schools. Educators from the local school district are on site daily through the week to provide assessment to appropriate grade level and classroom instruction. In addition, youth receive daily recreation and structured leisure time.

GMYSC operates two units designed to provide services to youth that are adjudicated and committed to DYS. Youth entering commitment status from the Western Region of the state into DYS complete a 30-day assessment period at GMYSC where they are assessed for criminogenic risk and protective factors as well as treatment, mental health, education/vocation, drug/alcohol and transitional needs. The commitment program is designed to provide services that prepare youth for re-entry into their individual communities. Youth receive a variety of services including: education, individual and group treatment, restorative justice and psycho-educational groups designed to promote accountability, victim empathy and community justice. Youth participate in multiple daily activities designed to promote good social skills. Educational services are provided year-round and are provided by certified state teachers. Educational opportunities include core subjects, elective subjects and vocational instruction. While in school youth have the ability to work on grade-level appropriate work for transferable credit to high school graduation. Youth may work towards earning a GED while residing in the program. Youth receive physical education as well as vocational instruction in the areas of culinary, general construction trades and custodial services. Clinical services are afforded to all youth based on need. GMYSC has a full clinical staff that provide services in the areas of mental health, offense specific and substance abuse treatment.

Youth Served

GMYSC provides secure detention holding for male and female youth awaiting court or serving short-term sentences. Youth served range in age from 10 to their 18th birthday.

GMYSC is a secure youth center location for long-term committed male and female youth in Colorado between 12 and 20 years of age.

Visitation is an avenue to build and maintain healthy family and community relationships. Families of youth in the care of DYS are encouraged to visit the youth center. All visits require a scheduled appointment. You can request visitation by contacting the Grand Mesa Control Center at 970.242.1521 ext. 110.